Genetic analyses reveal that Procambarus ferrugineus is a junior synonym of this species. In addition, nested clade phylogeographic analysis and population genetic analysis suggest this species has had three rounds of range expansion throughout inferred evolutionary history and that three potentially new cryptic species from southwestern Arkansas are currently inappropriately nested within the confines of the current description of the species (Crandall et al. 2009). New species descriptions may be warranted (G. Schuster and C. Taylor pers. Comm. 2009).

Justification:Procambarus liberorum has been assessed as Least Concern. This species has a relatively wide distribution across five counties in Arkansas and has recently spread to one county in Oklahoma. In addition, this species can be considered tolerant of human impact as it is found in roadside ditches. Further research is needed to determine the abundance of this species, and whether it is being impacted upon by any major threat processes.

This speciesis known from the central Arkansas River drainage and parts of the White River and Elk River drainages in the extreme northwestern parts of Arkansas and LeFlore County, Oklahoma (Robison and McAllister 2006, Fetzner 2008, Crandall et al. 2009).

Populations of this speciescan be large or small, with hundreds to very few individuals observed in a particular area. However, no formal population census has been conducted for this species (G. Schuster and C. Taylor pers. Comm. 2009).

There are not thought to be any major threats to this species. Furthermore, this species seems to be somewhat tolerant, as it found in roadside ditches near sizable towns (G. Schuster and C. Taylor pers. Comm. 2009).

There are no species-specific conservation measures in place for this species. Furthermore, this specieshas been given the Global Hertiage Status Rank of G4 by NatureServe (Taylor et al. 2007, NatureServe 2009). Further research is needed to determine the abundance of this species, and whether it is being impacted upon by any major threat processes.